Aleth (The Gentle Shroud)Source Divine Mysteries pg. 126Aleth is the god of the solace, wonder, and mystery found in darkness, and of the way that communities and families come together at night. When a gentle shade provides relief against heat stroke and the glaring sun, Aleth dwells in that darkness. So too does she provide a gentle shroud of privacy in the cover of darkness, hiding the embarrassed blush of two young lovers’ cheeks, allowing them to express their feelings away from the public eye. In this way, Aleth represents the infinite possibilities and mysteries that exist in the darkness, while protecting all within her embrace from the harsh light of the public eye.
Aleth is usually depicted as a woman with dark skin and vibrant purple hair, wearing a dark outfit with trailing sleeves so long that they resemble a bat’s wings. Sometimes, she appears simply as a small fruit bat with the same purple fur. In either form, she is accompanied by a glorious cloak of darkness that she can use to protect those in need.
Aleth has scattered worshippers across many lands, but she is especially popular in cultures that treat bats as symbols of good luck for their role in curbing insect populations. She is considered a patron goddess of
nyktera sprites, especially those who live in the mortal
Universe, and is a favorite of subterranean ancestries who have chosen a lifestyle of kindness. Within the Inner Sea, she sees some worship among Galt, the Mwangi Expanse, and Varisia, with secretive sects scattered throughout the region, but especially focused in Nidal.
Aleth’s most faithful have two goals. They protect communities at night or in dark places. At the same time, they love to explore the mysteries hidden in the darkness. Some worshippers combine these two imperatives to become detectives or investigators, solving mysteries to protect the innocent.
Aleth has at least a casual friendship with many of the least cruel deities, and each can recall some anecdote when the notoriously helpful goddess lent them a hand. However, she is particularly close to
Tsukiyo, with whom she has a deep platonic relationship. She also has strong relationships with the empyreal lords
Black Butterfly, who shares her fondness for the beauty of darkness;
Tanagaar, who also defends the night; and
Zohls, one of the only beings in the cosmos even more delighted to uncover new mysteries.
Category Other GodsEdicts offer hospitality to travelers who arrive at your abode at night, protect others from the harshness of the light, seek out the infinite mysteries hidden in the darkness
Anathema expose others’ privacy, speak a truth that is more harmful than silence, violate hospitality once offered
Areas of Concern community, hospitality, mystery, night
Religious Symbol cloak of darkness limned in purple
Sacred Animal brown bat
Sacred Color(s) black, purple
Devotee Benefits
Divine Attribute Constitution or Wisdom
Divine Font healDivine Sanctification can choose holy
Divine Skill StealthFavored Weapon shield bossDomains darkness,
family,
protection,
secrecyAlternate Domains dreams,
repose